My first build - routing question

[whiskyboy1977]

Hi,

This is my first build (and first post here) and I was hoping someone could answer my question.  I've ordered  and alder/splated maple strat from the showcase and having it routed for two humbuckers with the usual Strat volume/tone/tone but without the selector switch rout.  I am hoping to put a 3 way selector switch in the second tone hole, is this possible with the standard hole drilled by Warmoth?  If not, how would I go about enlarging the hole when I receive the body?

Cheers,

Whiskyboy1977

 

[AutoBat]

A tapered hand reamer would probably do the job just fine. Just make sure you check your size frequently as to not overdo it.

Here's the 1st one I found (and it has good reviews)
http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Level-27770-T-Handled-Tapered/dp/B001DZE5FW

 

[line6man]

I'm curious why you specified for Warmoth to drill the 3/8" hole, when you need a 1/2" hole? You would have been better off to omit the hole, as you can't very well drill out the correct size hole with no wood in the middle to center the bit.

Your best option is to use a reamer tool, as AutoBat suggested.

 

[whiskyboy1977]

I purchased the body on a whim as I was unaware of the Thanksgiving discount and as a complete novice I didn't know exactly what holes I should get drilled so I took a guess!  Maybe a little stupid in hindsight...  I've contacted Warmoth to try to get them to change the hole size but haven't had a reply yet so I was a little worried that I'd not be able to have this done.  Thanks for the replies

 

[Jusatele]

well that is how we learn
and trust me, everyone here has made some mistake like that before
you could plug the hole and do a redrill however what you are looking to do is remove1/8th of an inch, it would be like having used a pilot bit to start a hole and stepped up, just be careful and use the proper size bit. Tape around the hole first to prevent chipping

 

[mgaut051]

+ 1 on the reamer. A piloted bit will probably much harder to find, but could work just as well (although a little more potential for screwup).
Take your time, check often, protect your finish.

And don't worry about poor planning - how you deal with the mistakes is where the real genius and grace come into play. Mistakes are inevitable, it's all about how you recover.

 

[Strat Avenger]

Hand-driven reamer is the best method for enlarging holes.